I've been told that the recently appointed sheriff of Pope County, Richard Bouman, was terminated from the Jasper County sheriff's department some years back for using excessive force. Anyone in the Jasper area able to shed any light on that?

He's running in the general election and people might like to know more about their current and possibly future sheriff.

I believe it was prior to 2001 since he's been working in Pope now for almost 10 years.

Post edited 10:37 pm – March 9, 2010 by MeatWagon

I have had alot of opportunities to observe Rick as a police officer and a person. I have always known him to be very fair and honest as far as in his work. Don't know anything about what this is about but have to say I truely believe he would make a good sheriff. I do not know his opp. in running for office so can't say anything there. But I do think he seems to be a fair and honest man and there is not to many of those out there. Your social standing and who u are I don't think has any bearing on his job either and that goes a long way with me. I do not live in Pope but would feel very comfortable with him as my sheriff.